AN Amblecote pub which dates back to 1841 is celebrating after scooping a major CAMRA award.

The Stourbridge & Halesowen branch of CAMRA presented its Pub of the Year award to the Swan on Brettle Lane, last week, with the pub beating off competition from a large number of real ale pubs in the region.

Branch chairman Tim Cadwell presented the award to landlord Phillip Guy and manager Aimee Evans.

He said they "have done an amazing job in transforming the pub and bringing it up to date."

Tim said: "Despite being a well-liked pub before, it’s now become an accessible destination for many, not just real ale drinkers.

"The pub itself has a long history in the local area and is now a great addition, which reinforces Amblecote as a great day or night out for real ale.

"Winning the Pub of the Year is not just the result of a vote, but is based on a judging process where branch volunteers visit nominated pubs and score according to criteria such as beer quality, service, cleanliness and overall feel.

"We all know that the economic climate is very difficult, but pubs like the Swan appear to be thriving because what they are doing is being done so well."

Phillip Guy, also landlord of the Red Lion, said: “We’re elated to have been presented with our award."

The Swan, which dates back to 1841, was originally known as the 'Swan with Two Necks' and was owned by Richard Davies of Dudley.

It passed to Mitchells & Butlers in 1968.

In 2021 it was bought by the Furious Pub Company, which also operates the Red Lion, further along Brettell Lane which has undertaken a complete refurbishment.

CAMRA is set to present its Pub of the Year runner-up awards to Halesowen pubs the Swan, Long Lane and the Crafty Pint, Wassell Road, along with the Club of the Year award to the Somers Sports & Social Club, also in Halesowen, over the coming months.